[The following takes place during the opening stages of what would later become known as the American Civil War, just as political tensions are ratcheting up around the Federal garrison at Fort Sumter, South Carolina.]
At a dinner party in Washington a few hours after the Star slunk out of Charleston harbor, Senator Robert Toombs of Georgia, highly respected but recognized as a bit of a tippler, was heard to say that the ship had been sunk, and that he only wished those who sent her had been on her at the time. General Scott was at this dinner and quite rightfully took offense, since it was obvious to everyone in the room that Toombs was referring to him, and perhaps the president.
Scott responded sharply. Toombs sassed him back. The elderly, corpulent general rose to his swollen feet and waddled toward the equally heavyset Toombs. The two were forcefully separated.
Source:
Detzer, David. “Hostages.” Allegiance: Fort Sumter, Charleston, and the Beginning of the Civil War. New York: Harcourt, 2002. 168-69. Print.
Original Source(s) Listed:
Lord Lyons to Lord Russell, quoted in “Secession,” Case Program: C14-86-435T, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 1983.
Mercury, January 12, 1861.
Further Reading:
Winfield Scott / “Old Fuss and Feathers” / “Grand Old Man of the Army”
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